Rampaging youths caught in the act

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james Illingworth

Published:11:44Thursday 16 March 2017

These shocking images encapsulate the wanton criminal damage residents in Orrell are having to endure at the hands of youth gangs.

Passed on to the Wigan Post by an exasperated resident, the footage shows a hooded teen brazenly kick out at a car wing mirror on Lodge Road.

A youth kicks a car wing mirror off in Lodge Road, Orrell

The moment was captured by a visitor to the area - via a dash cam left running in their vehicle - and nearby residents have said this is by no means an isolated incident.

It follows weeks after a safety warning was issued about youth gangs wreaking havoc at the nearby Orrell Water Park.

And last week residents contacted the Wigan Post to say dozens of teenagers were putting themselves and motorists at risk by playing in traffic on nearby Church Street.

Councillors say they are “appalled” with what their constituents are having to put up with as fears mount the anti-social behaviour is only going to intensify as the summer approaches.

One resident of Lodge Road, where this latest footage was taken, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “You only have to walk along the road to see most of the cars parked down here have got their wing mirrors taped up.

“It’s not just the cost, it’s the inconvenience of having your vehicle damaged in this way, they don’t care. We’re fed up of it all and just want the police to act so these children know there’s consequences to their actions.”

Greater Manchester Police has received the footage and officers have confirmed they are investigating the incident as part of their enquiries.

A force spokesman said: “Police received a report that on March 8 shortly before 8pm vehicles were damaged on Lodge Road in Orrell. Police conducted enquiries and no arrests have been made.”

One resident in Platt Bridge, who has also asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, said: “It’s about time something was done about it. Myself and several other residents are scared to be in our own homes at night.

“I went out one evening last week to get a pint of milk from the local precinct and I was harassed by a gang.

“They shouted at me, knocked my cap off and I felt really intimidated.

“I know some of my neighbours have had their houses broken into and I know people have had their cars run along with a Stanley knife.

“Where do we go from here? It shouldn’t be like this.

“We’re talking about large groups of them and not just boys, girls as well, some of them look quite young.”

Meanwhile, neighbourhood officers in Pemberton have issued a plea for information after a “horrific” incident in the Redwood area although further details are yet to be released by GMP.

Earlier this month residents on Church Road in Orrell contacted the Wigan Post after dozens of youths were causing a safety risk throwing obstacles in front of traffic.

The outbreaks come as GMP is urging Wiganers to take part in a consultation about its “Citizens’ Contract” that will “redefine” what residents can expect from the force and vice versa.

Launched last month, GMP said hundreds of residents from across the region have so far taken part in the consultation.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “It is great to know that hundreds of people have been interested enough to get involved in the consultation. I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to make their views known.

“All the information that we collect will be used to develop the Citizen’s Contract which will outline what people can expect from GMP but also what we need from residents.

Meetings are taking place across Greater Manchester but there is still a chance to get involved either by going along to learn more or visiting our website.”

Will Blandamer, Wigan Council’s assistant director for reform and partnerships, said: “We encourage all residents who are experiencing anti-social behaviour to report incidents to GMP on 101 or to the council by searching ‘ASB’ on the Wigan Council website.

“We are working closely with GMP and residents to address anti-social behaviour and will continue to do so.”

Details of how to get involved in the police consultation are available on the GMP website at www.gmp.police.uk